Queen Elizabeth has commissioned a new aircraft carrier bearing her name — the UK's biggest and most advanced warship

REUTERS/Chris Jackson/Pool

Queen Elizabeth II has attended the commissioning ceremony of Britain's new aircraft carrier, which is named after the monarch.

The 91-year-old queen boarded the Royal Navy's newest, largest and most expensive vessel Thursday in Portsmouth naval base.

The white ensign was raised to mark the moment HMS Queen Elizabeth was officially added to the Royal Navy's fleet. The queen says the ship "embodies the best of British technology and innovation."

It is still undergoing sea trials and will not be fully operational for several years. It will head to the US late next year for initial flight trials. US F-35 jets have already practiced taking off on ski-jump style ramps like that on the Queen Elizabeth.

Source: The Aviationist

The UK's first sea lord, Adm. Philip Jones, said that with the new carrier "Britain has confirmed her place among the world's great maritime powers."

The ship, which cost roughly 3 billion pounds, or $4 billion, took eight years build. Its construction took place in six cities and involved 10,000 people. The 919-foot, 65,000 metric ton ship can operate with a crew of 1,000 and 40 aircraft. Along with sister ship HMS Prince of Wales, it is part of a defense program worth $7.65 billion.

Source: Reuters, AFP